Tips for healthy and Relaxed Hair

If you are new to hair relaxers then I suggest you read this all the way through, because I will be giving my tips for those who like to have their hair relaxed. Since the natural hair community has taken over for the past few years, I feel that the girls who prefer to have their hair relaxed have been forgotten about. I decided to put together a list for those who have relaxed hair and are looking for tips on how to grow their hair and keep as healthy as possible. YOU CAN have healthy relaxed hair as long as you take care of it.

hair relaxers vs perms

Pictured above are different types of hair relaxers that can be bought and applied at home. *I highly suggest that you allow a professional to apply your relaxer.

First you need to know the difference between a hair relaxer and a perm. In the black community we tend to use perm for the meaning of a relaxer. In the professional world it is not the same thing. It is important to know the difference because if you go to a salon and the stylist doesn’t know they could possibly apply the wrong chemical service. That’s the last thing you want as a client. So what’s the difference you ask? A relaxer is a chemical service that straightens your curly or kinky hair texture. While a perm does the opposite. It will apply permeant curls in your hair with the use of perm rods. Now if you are looking to change your curl pattern then yes get a perm, but if you are trying to relax your curls get a relaxer.

Yes, relaxers have a bad rep, but also I can’t stop you if you get one either. The best thing for me to do as a cosmetologist is teach you the proper way to not only apply your relaxer, but also to teach you how to take care of your hair after you get your relaxer. So let’s get into these tips.

1. Consistently Moisturize your hair

You need to make sure that you are conditioning your hair on a consistent basses. You want to do this because a relaxer breaks down the natural curl of your hair which leaves it defenseless and prone to breakage and damage. Making sure that you are moisturizing your hair especially after applying the relaxer can help your hair to build up a protective barrier.

2. Wrap your hair up

You should already be wearing a silk or satin bonnet to bed every night, but if not you need to start. Wrapping your hair in a bonnet helps to protect your hair from breakage and damage. If you tend to be that person whose bonnet comes off in the middle of the night don’t worry another solution would be to get a silk or satin pillowcase as well.

3. Hot Tools

I know that once your hair gets straight you want to keep it that way, but when it comes to your hot tools you want to use them sparingly. Hot tools like blow drying and flat ironing your hair should only be done when you wash your hair once a week. NOT WHEN YOU COWASH but actually wash your hair. Remember we want to keep our hair as healthy as possible even though we have relaxed our hair. Using hot tools every day or even every other day can cause damage to your hair.

4. Wash day

I would personally opt for a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner combo. Make sure they are the same brand because each brand is formulated to help enhance each product and your experience. Using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner will help to add moisture back into your hair. Plus you have to now protect the new growth as well.

5. Touch Up Relaxer

When applying your touch up relaxer you want to make sure that you are only relaxing the new growth. You also want to make sure that you only do a touch up every 6 to 8 weeks. You want to give your hair time to grow out this way if you are applying your relaxer yourself you can actually see the new growth.

6. seek Professional help

If I am being honest I would let a professional apply the relaxer especially if it’s your first one and even if you you are getting a touch up. they know the dos and don’ts of applying a relaxer and they can go more in depth on products and aftercare.

Like I stated before getting a relaxer nowadays is frowned upon, but at the end of the day if it is what you want to do to your hair than none can stop you. This decision should be yours and yours alone. Look at it this way at least now you can properly take care of your hair.

Going to a professional to apply this service on your hair will always be my go to answer, and yes it is mostly because I am a cosmetologist, but it really will help you and educate you on everything. So read this and take some notes and then go to a professional and ask all the questions you need to ask. And if you decide not to go to a professional then that is completely fine. My goal is to help you help you.